Weekly 5-13-14

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Illinois REALTORS® in Washington, D.C. to Talk Housing Issues

Nearly 200 Illinois REALTORS® and IAR members are showing the #PowerofR in the nation's capital this week as they meet with federal lawmakers and talk about housing issues while attending NAR's REALTOR® Party Convention & Expo. IAR members are scheduled to meet with most of the members of the Illinois Congressional delegation and on Wednesday, as part of IAR's Let's Talk Real Estate series, Illinois REALTORS® plan to meet with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Check the IARbuzz blog and IAR Facebook for updates.

Some Dates Changed for Springfield Habitat Build

If you are planning to help build IAR's second Habitat for Humanity home in Springfield this summer, be aware that some dates have been changed. Click here to learn more and find sign up links. Work begins May 19 and continues throughout June.

IAR Spring Conference & Expo Highlights

More than 400 people attended the IAR Spring Conference in Collinsville last week for two days of motivational sessions, CE and networking. See photos andhighlights on the IARbuzz blog.

Andrew Cook Latest RPAC Ambassador

Congratulations to REALTOR® Andrew Cook of Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell for becoming our sixth official RPAC Ambassador for the 1,000 Points of Light campaign. Click here for program details. (Disclaimer: The Illinois REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) solicits contributions from IAR members only).

Interested in Serving as an IAR At-Large Director in 2015?

The deadline to submit your application form, resume and Statement of Real Estate Licensure is May 23, 2014.Learn more.

Legal Hot Topic: You Say You're No. 1? Prove It

With an increase in complaints about real estate licensees advertising that they are "number one," it is important that REALTORS® know the rules for advertising these claims. In a recent article for D.R. Legal News, IAR Legal Hotline Attorney Betsy Urbance covers what you need to know to ensure that your advertising is truthful and not misleading.

License Renewal Update for Brokers, Managing Brokers

Missed the broker license renewal deadline or have questions about taking managing broker CE? IAR's Betsy Urbance and Carrie Elliott have the answers on what you need to do now. Click here to learn more.

Illinois Median Home Prices Rise in 1Q2014

In the first quarter of this year, the statewide median price rose 8.7 percent compared to last year to $139,113. Home sales declined 7.8 percent over the same period. Share the latest IAR infographic on the market and drill down into your local county data with IAR's sortable FastStats, an IAR member benefit found inMembers Only Market Stats (login required).

Instructor Development Workshop on June 6

If you are a CE or Pre-license instructor in Illinois, you'll want to sign up for this one-day workshop on June 6, offering must-have updates. There are three location options: IAR Headquarters (live class) and Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® and North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® (via video conference). Register by May 19 for the best rate of $99.

RPAC Minute: $100 Licensing of Real Estate Firms OVERTURNED

RPAC helped stop the illegal licensing of real estate firms in a local Illinois community that would have cost offices a minimum of $1,000 in fees over 10 years. RPAC always has your business interests in mind. www.RPACnow.com.(Disclaimer: The Illinois REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) solicits contributions from IAR members only.)

Luxury Market Heating Up This Spring

As the weather heats up so too is the U.S. luxury home market. Sales of million-dollar homes “are selling at double their historical average,” according to the National Association of REALTORS® and other housing industry analysts are also seeing a resurgence in the high-end of the market. Read more.

Registration Open for IAR Fall Conference & Expo in Chicago

Mark your calendar, the IAR Fall Conference & Expo is headed to Chicago! This year's event will be held Sept. 4-6, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Register now and pay the early-bird rate of $149.